How much does camping cost at Cumberland Island National Seashore Camping Permits?

Camping fees at Cumberland Island National Seashore Camping Permits range from $9-$40/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Cumberland Island National Seashore Camping Permits first-come first-served or reservation?

Cumberland Island National Seashore Camping Permits accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Cumberland Island National Seashore Camping Permits before I book?

Yes! Cumberland Island National Seashore Camping Permits has 14 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Cumberland Island National Seashore Camping Permits?

Cumberland Island National Seashore Camping Permits is open January 01 to December 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Cumberland Island National Seashore Camping Permits?

Yes, Cumberland Island National Seashore Camping Permits has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Is there cell service at Cumberland Island National Seashore Camping Permits?

Cell phone service at Cumberland Island National Seashore Camping Permits is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Cumberland Island National Seashore Camping Permits have?

Cumberland Island National Seashore Camping Permits has 16 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Cumberland Island National Seashore Camping Permits?

Pets are not allowed at Cumberland Island National Seashore Camping Permits. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Cumberland Island National Seashore Camping Permits?

Cumberland Island National Seashore Camping Permits offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Cumberland Island National Seashore Camping Permits?

Popular activities at Cumberland Island National Seashore Camping Permits include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Cumberland Island National Seashore Camping Permits

4.63

720 reviews

101 Wheeler St

Top 11% in GAFall

B-Report Card

Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietGreat for Groups

Featured in:Camping Near Jekyll Island#1 Beach Camping Georgia#1 Tent Camping Georgia#2 +12 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

13 ft

Price

$9 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

16 campsites

Season

December 1st - Febru...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

No Pets

Showers

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

13 ft

Price

$9 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

16 campsites

Season

December 1st - Febru...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

No Pets

Showers

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Cumberland Island National Seashore Camping Permits

$9.00 - $40.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC: $40.00; MANAGEMENT: $40.00; Sea Camp: $22.00; Stafford Beach: $12.00; Wilderness: $9.00. Plus Recreation.gov...

Hike and Bike Site Fee$9.00

Group Site Fee$40.00

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912-882-4336 X254

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

101 Wheeler St

Cumberland Island National Seashore Camping Permits

101 Wheeler St

Nearby places

St. Marys, GA (0 miles, within walking distance to ferry dock)

Jacksonville, FL (approximately 45 miles, 1-hour drive)

Brunswick, GA (approximately 30 miles, 40-minute drive).

Weather at Cumberland Island National Seashore Camping Permits

Best Time to Camp at Cumberland Island National Seashore Camping Permits

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of mild weather, low humidity, and excellent wildlife viewing — expect daytime highs generally in the 60s–70s°F (15–25°C) and cool, breezy nights. This is prime time for hiking, birding (migratory songbirds and shorebirds), beachcombing, photography, and spotting the island's wild horses with far fewer mosquitoes than summer. Crowds are lower than peak summer weekends, though October weekends are still popular, and you have a much lower chance of oppressive heat, Peak months: October, November, April, March Avoid: July, August

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 11% in GA

Called best season: mild temps, low humidity, excellent wildlife viewing and comfortable nights.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: December 1st - February 28th: There are NO ferry operations on Tuesday or Wednesday . If you are traveling to/from the island via ferry, please ensure your reservation does not arrive or depart on Tuesday/Wednesday during this time frame.

About Cumberland Island National Seashore Camping Permits

Cumberland Island National Seashore Camping Permits provide access to a barrier island wilderness off the Georgia coast near St. Marys, managed by the National Park Service. Campers reach the island by ferry and choose between developed Sea Camp with showers and flush toilets or primitive backcountry sites deeper into the island's maritime forests and dunes. The island is known for wild horses, undeveloped beaches, and historic ruins like Plum Orchard mansion.

Cumberland Island features a variety of camping types, from developed sites at Sea Camp to primitive backcountry camping in wilderness areas like Yankee Paradise and Hickory Hill.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of mild weather, low humidity, and excellent wildlife viewing — expect daytime highs generally in the 60s–70s°F (15–25°C) and cool, breezy nights. This is prime time for hiking, birding (migratory songbirds and shorebirds), beachcombing, photography, and spotting the island's wild horses with far fewer mosquitoes than summer. Crowds are lower than peak summer weekends, though October weekends are still popular, and you have a much lower chance of oppressive heat, Peak months: October, November, April, March Avoid: July, August

Elevation13 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe island stretches along Georgia's southeastern coast at just 13 feet elevation, part of the Sea Islands chain. Maritime forests of live oak draped in Spanish moss give way to 18 miles of Atlantic beach. Salt marshes thread between the forest and ocean. Tidal creeks cut through the marshes. Wild horses graze near campsites. Armadillos and raccoons move through palmetto thickets. Shifting sand dunes rise near the beach. The forests sit on ancient soil shaped by thousands of years of wind and tide. Reviews mention pristine beaches and the seclusion of camping where natural processes still dominate the landscape.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-lodge style accommodations exist on Cumberland Island; camping is the primary overnight option.

Programs & ActivitiesPrograms include ranger-led tours of historical sites like Plum Orchard Mansion and Dungeness Ruins. The Land and Legacy tour is highly recommended.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Stay limit is 7 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum guests per site is six, including children aged 2 and above.

Groups

Group sites at Sea Camp can accommodate large groups with multiple tents and hammocks. The sites include picnic tables and fire rings.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on recreation.gov or via the Cumberland Island Ferry website.

AccessibilityThe campground description and reviews do not contain detailed information specific to accessibility features for individuals with disabilities. However, the presence of flush toilets and water stations with spigots at Sea Camp and Stafford Beach may improve accessibility.

Site SizeCampsites range from small (suitable for 2 tents) to large group sites accommodating hammocks or multiple tents.

PrivacySea Camp sites are described as well-spaced with natural foliage providing privacy. Stafford offers a balance of privacy and proximity to amenities.

Total Campsites16 campsites

Recommended SitesFor privacy, choose sites like Sea Camp 9 or Stafford Beach for semi-developed amenities.

Best CampsitesSea Camp site 13 gets called out in reviews for its proximity to dunes and views. Sea Camp in general offers well-spaced sites with natural foliage creating privacy between neighbors. Stafford balances privacy with access to amenities. Group sites accommodate hammocks or multiple tents.

Need help booking Cumberland Island National Seashore Camping Permits?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Drinking Water: Available at Plum Orchard and all areas south of Stafford Beach. Treat water at all other areas of the island. There is electricity at the Sea Camp Ranger Station, Sea Camp Campground, and Stafford Beach Campground for recharging devices.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

A wide range of activities is available on Cumberland Island, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring cultural sites like Dungeness Ruins and Plum Orchard Mansion. The beaches, maritime forests, and expansive trails offer ample opportunity for recreation.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Food Storage RequiredFood storage lockers are available at Sea Camp and Stafford Beach to protect against raccoons.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trash & RecyclingCumberland Island requires campers to follow a strict pack-in, pack-out trash policy. There are no trash cans on the island, and all waste must be removed by visitors.

Cell CoverageCell phone service is limited and intermittent across the island. Some users reported being able to send texts or make calls near the beach or mainland-facing areas, but service was generally unavailable in the island’s interior.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.6

720 reviews

Top-Rated

Cumberland Island National Seashore Camping Permits is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews highlight the island's natural beauty and the sense of solitude. Common themes include wildlife encounters, pristine beaches, and challenges like ticks and overgrown trails.

Review Summaries

Based on 720 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the well-maintained Sea Camp facilities, scenic beaches, abundant wildlife, and the historical significance of sites like Plum Orchard. Many praise the seclusion and magical...

Based on 720 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints relate to ticks, mosquitoes, unmaintained trails, and insufficient restroom facilities during renovations. Some users also criticized the ferry’s limited schedule and the need for...

Based on 720 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sea Camp is praised for its amenities like showers and potable water. Stafford Beach is highlighted for its balance of primitive and developed features. Yankee Paradise and Brickhill Bluff are noted...

Based on 720 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring bug spray and tick protection. Cyclists should use bikes with wide tires. Pack light as you must carry gear to campsites. Visit Plum Orchard and Dungeness for historical insights. Plan trips...

Based on 720 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews in summer mention high bug activity, while winter visitors enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer insects. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather but can have occasional rain.

Based on 720 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The campsites are beautiful and private with a magical feel.' 2. 'Be prepared for ticks and mosquitoes, especially in summer.' 3. 'The history and wildlife make every trip unique.'

Based on 720 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility information is sparse in reviews, but the availability of flush toilets and potable water at Sea Camp and Stafford suggests some general convenience.

Based on 720 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not allowed on the island, with no reviews mentioning experiences with service animals.

Based on 720 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want a true barrier island wilderness experience with wildlife viewing and are comfortable navigating trails and ferry schedules.

Skip if

You need vehicle access to your campsite or want to avoid ticks and challenging backcountry navigation.

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Campgrounds

Cumberland Island National Seashore

Cumberland Island National Seashore Camping Permits

B-

Camper Report Card

How campers graded it

Rated higher than 58% of graded campgrounds

Graded on what 480 campers actually wrote - graded on 14 things that make or break a trip. Each topic is graded against every other campground on it - A is among the best, C about average. No star ratings.

Strengths

Grade A-.Belonging
Grade B+.Scenery
Grade B+.Safety

Watch-outs

Grade C-.Bugs & weather
Grade C-.Getting there
Grade C.Cleanliness

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Each topic is graded against every other campground on it; a topic campers liked never grades below C−. ± shows the 95% confidence range from the sample size.

How we grade →See how Georgia grades overall

About Cumberland Island National Seashore

Context for the broader area surrounding Cumberland Island National Seashore Camping Permits, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

St Marys is the gateway to Cumberland Island, Georgia's largest and southernmost barrier island. Here pristine maritime forests, undeveloped beaches and wide marshes whisper the stories of both man and nature. Natives, missionaries, enslaved African Americans and Wealthy Industrialists all walked here. Cumberland Island is also home to over 9,800 acres of Congressionally designated Wilderness.

Directions

Cumberland Island is only accessible by ferry or private boat. These directions are to the mainland visitor center in St. Marys, GA. Driving Directions To reach the visitor center from Interstate 95: • Take Exit 3 for US 40 • Take US 40 East toward “Historic Downtown St. Marys” • US 40 becomes Osborne Rd. Continue on until you reach the waterfront • Turn right on St. Marys Rd • The visitor center will be two blocks down on your left (113 St. Marys St W, St Marys GA 31558)

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